Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Fremont, CA
It is 2189 mi and 37h 53m from Milwaukee to Fremont — a cross-country move across 8 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2189 mi · 37h 53m by car · WI → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → NV → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → NV → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Fremont | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Fremont runs about 19.3% more expensive overall than Milwaukee — RPP 96.937 → 115.613.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $220,137 in Milwaukee to $1,543,132 in Fremont, a 19.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Fremont -4.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Milwaukee | Fremont |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 77°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 14.4" |
Expect 11.6°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Fremont sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, NEWARK, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Fremont |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 228,518 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $176,350 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 38.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 32.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.97 |
Expect median household income to rise 19.3% — $51,888 → $176,350 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fremont MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Fremont sees only 14.4 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.6°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Fremont, CA from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 2189 mi and the route typically takes 37h 53m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Fremont?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2189 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Fremont compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Fremont MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Fremont more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fremont is 19.3% higher than Milwaukee (115.613 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Milwaukee and Fremont?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.9°F in Fremont vs 48.3°F in Milwaukee (11.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 39.5 in. Annual precipitation: 14.4 in vs 33.8 in.
How much do homes cost in Fremont compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,543,132 in Fremont vs $220,137 in Milwaukee — a 601.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Fremont?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $176,350 in Fremont vs $51,888 in Milwaukee — a 239.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI · Fremont, CA.